Fact To File’s Ryanair Reckoning: Hype or Hero by the 2025 Cheltenham Event?
From March 11-14, the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, featuring 28 matches, frames a key moment with the Ryanair Chase (2:20 PM, March 13)—is Fact...
Every seven to eight years, the UFC pulls out all the stops for a milestone event, and it’s always a spectacular show. Back in 2009, UFC 100 was a record-breaking success with Brock Lesnar, a former WWE Champion, defeating Frank Mir with a knockout to become the unified heavyweight champion. Fast forward to July 2016, and UFC 200 was another star-studded affair, with Amanda Nunes taking center stage as she took the Bantamweight Championship from Miesha Tate.
As April approaches, anticipation is building for UFC 300, with several exciting bouts already on the slate. In the spotlight will be Justin Gaethje, a lightweight dynamo, ready to clash with former featherweight champion Max Holloway for the BMF title. Meanwhile, ex-155-pound champ Charles Oliveira eyes a victorious return against the powerful Arman Tsarukyan. Yet, the main event spot remains open.
Speculation has been a whirlwind in recent months about who will top the bill. Initially, there were plans for Jon Jones to defend his heavyweight crown against former champion Stipe Miocic, but injuries have derailed those plans. Further setbacks with big names like Islam Makhachev have left Dana White and the decision-makers scrambling. the UFC The pressure is on to find a headline-worthy match for such a pivotal event. Nothing is set in stone yet, and the rumor mill shows no signs of slowing.
A rematch between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis might appear viable. The South African dispatched the outspoken American to clinch the middleweight title recently; however, it lacks the star wattage deemed necessary for such a hallmark event. Enter Israel Adesanya.
Recently a 185-pound champion himself, Adesanya faced a surprising defeat against Strickland before Du Plessis took the title. The history between him and the new champ is heated, but should he aim to reclaim his belt, or perhaps venture into the light heavyweight waters for a rematch with Alex Pereira?
A trilogy showdown at light heavyweight could be the UFC's trump card, especially given the pressing timeline with numerous fighters sidelined. Whether it commands the spotlight Dana White seeks is yet to be confirmed.
Running through alternatives, whispers suggest a pitch to former lightweight superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite his retirement following his father’s passing in 2020, coach Javier Mendes hinted at The Eagle’s resumed training. Could a comeback be on the horizon?
If so, the stage is set for a rematch with Conor McGregor. Their clash in 2018, driven by fierce rivalry, set a pay-per-view record for the UFC. Another duel would likely recreate that buzz.
Barring that, a bid to draw Georges St. Pierre out of retirement to face the Dagestani has been floated—though never materialized, it’s a tantalizing proposition.
Among the confirmed bouts, bettors can find intriguing opportunities to capitalize on. Currently, the most anticipated fight is the intense showdown between Gaethje and Holloway. Both fighters are known for their aggressive in-cage fireworks, promising a thrilling battle.
With Gaethje holding the BMF title after a commanding knockout against Dustin Poirier, bookies favor his chances at -200 odds. Betting on him to finish the undersized Holloway could be a wise move.
Elsewhere, Charles Oliveira is seeking redemption in his pursuit of the lightweight crown he lost bitterly to Islam Makhachev. Following his submission by Makhachev, Oliveira has rebounded with a knockout win, and we foresee him overcoming Arman Tsarukyan, should he handle the Russian-Armenian’s striking might.
Cody Garbrandt's comeback appears less hopeful. Once the bantamweight champ with a decisive win over Dominick Cruz in 2016, he soon lost the title to TJ Dillashaw through consecutive knockouts. A troubled period followed with losses in three out of four matches. Although he’s made a victorious return after 18 months, Deiveson Figueiredo poses a daunting challenge.